NCJ Number
186458
Journal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2000 Pages: 299-304
Date Published
July 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examines high-risk behavior during recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Abstract
The study used focus group research to explore high-risk behavior during recovery from drugs and alcohol. Participants in the focus group were professional substance abuse counselors. Findings identified specific high-risk behaviors and began an exploration of the processes that support them. The study included specific information on such issues as causes, time frames, developmental issues, and other factors associated with high-risk behavior. The study considered existential issues in recovery, as well as childhood factors such as sexual abuse. High-risk behavior was seen as a means to avoid the existential dilemma of continuing in recovery or returning to drug use and as a possible means to leave that crisis unresolved without actual relapse to drug use or dealing with the issues of advancing in recovery. Individuals in recovery can lose their focus, even after maintaining a recovery program for a substantial amount of time. They may consider that they no longer need to be vigilant about abstinence. The article concludes that high-risk behavior may be the first sign of trouble. References